Carter Lake, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Carter Lake, IA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Carter Lake is 95.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Carter Lake, there were 47 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1247 per 100,000 individuals, 237.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 124 property crimes, amounting to 3291 per 100,000 residents, 68.4% higher than the U.S. average.

In Carter Lake, the crime rate stands at 4538 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 95.26%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Carter Lake that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Carter Lake ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1247 per 100,000 people, Carter Lake is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Carter Lake, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

In the latest reported crime year, Carter Lake recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Is Carter Lake a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Carter Lake is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Carter Lake has an overall crime rate that is 95% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.47 daily occurrences, comprising 0.13 violent crimes and 0.34 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Carter Lake as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Carter Lake Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Carter Lake has increased by 6.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Carter Lake is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 46.9%, while property crime has increased by 3.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Carter Lake.

Potential Causes for Crime in Carter Lake

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Carter Lake crime rates. The population density in Carter Lake is 2117.1 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Carter Lake, the cost of living is 12.81% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Carter Lake, the average monthly rent stands at $934, while the national average is $949 per month.

Carter Lake crime map